HELP With a question!!!!

[Kenseth17fan]

Just wanted to find out what everyone here thought was the best computer (brand) on the market today?

[Rumor]

k17fan,

Mine was built at a computer store, and I haven't had any trouble, well til now. Loooooooong story! And now the store is out of business and figures since it's still under warranty.

I have seen Walmart have good deals on HP(Hewlett Packard) computers with cd read-write drive and a printer, monitor and a whole bunch of other goodies for roughly $800.00

But if I was in the market, and I am, I may consider a Dell. They seem to have the best reputation out there. I've heard both good and bad about Gateway though, so that could be a matter of personal preference.

From what else I've heard, DO NOT get a Compaq. Too much trouble.

[Martin6]

I have a custom computer. If you get a princeton monitor it will make crappy graphics look awesome. I am also looking at a computer I would go with a 60+ gHd 1ghz+ 512mb and this woyuld last you a while. In the spring of 1998 was when I got this one. It crashed and I had the harddrive fixed up nd upgrade to a 8.0 and it has a 300 instead of a 266

[Kenseth17fan]

Gateway, or having one made to fit my specific needs.
I know I want something that is fast with lot's and lot's of storage space.
Also need a computer that won't be outdated in 6 or 7 years.
Starting my own internet web buisness, so once I get everything
I need, it should be interesting, considering I've never done this before.
Also once I get the scanner I will be abe to post all my wonderful Petty car picture's. Have a bunch old car picture's.
also Some of Adam's cars. Should be abe to do that by early next month.

[Rumor]

I would try to get one built the way you want it, if it's all possible. This one I have, I just got the basic cause I didn't want alot of the junk--like why would I need an encyclopedia, EYE SPEl GOODLY already. ;) One problem with Gateway was their tech support when people were having trouble with their computers and they weren't helpful. That's another thing to look into, good tech support. But Dell's, HP's, even custom computers can have trouble.

This one I have is 3 years old and is already obsolete. Next one will be fast.

I can't wait to see the pics! :)

[BenchRacer]

Ok. My thoughts.

A 6-7 year life span out of a computer is asking alot. Now that doesn't mean that a computer won't still be functional after that amount of time. Just that software developers continuously write software that requires more and more power.

So based on that I would look for a machine that meets all your current needs, but also allows for easy expansion and upgradability.(Meaning, watch out for systems that have a lot of integrated components such as sound and video. HP's are known for doing this and for that reason I would strongly recommend staying away from them.)

There's no better way to get a perfect system than to build one yourself with all the components you want, but the down side is your responsible for any problems and technical support.

I build all my own pc's for myself and family members, and have very few problems. But if there are any, I'm really close to take a look.

If you would decide to build your own, I can offer a ton more tips and ideas. Just let me know.

Now, personally I would recommend going with a reputable company. I've never worked on a gateway or used their support so I can't offer any insight there. But, I do have experience with Dell, and can say their systems are well built and support is quite good.

I always say there's a big difference between a pc that’s going to be used for family stuff(games, internet, etc) and ones for a business.

So whoever you decide to go with, be sure to specify that your looking for a business pc with Windows 2000 Professional. And I would recommend some form of a backup device.

I would avoid going to a Best Buy/Circuit City type a place.

I can offer more thoughts if you need them.

Good Luck!!! :)

[jgordon24]

didn't you just build a monster tower??!!

[BenchRacer]

Originally posted by jgordon24
didn't you just build a monster tower??!!

Yup. Along with the 5 other machines in my house that run 24/7 along with machines for numerous clients from my job and local family members and recently I built a business one for my wifes brother who runs his own business somewhere in Oklahoma.

I'm about due for an upgrade!!;)

[Kenseth17fan]

I've been doing some research on DELL today, through CNET.com. CNET is an excellent resource for computers news and I went to their web site for more advice.
The one computer they speak very highly on is something that's on top of my list, as of now, the Dimentions4100.
the computers priced at 1,300 and 1,119. Intel pentium processor at 933Mhz (and1GHz)/ 20GB2 (40GB2) ultra ATA-100 hard drive.
128MB 133MHz SDRAM
16Xdvd rom drive with software.
Decoding for windows ME.

The 1,369 computer has a 16x DVD ROM DRIVE for 32MB NVIDIA
geoforce2 MX AGP graphics card.

CNET says it's fast affordable,expandable
The NEGATIVE? NONE
CNET claims the Dell's 4100 delivers outstanding performance and value, at home and office.

Sorry it's so long Chad but I wanted to get your opinion
on this computer because it seems quite impressive and pretty cheap.

[Martin6]

Besure your viedo cards are good so you can get NAscar4,5,6,.......200!on their. I still say cutoms arebetter!

[Kenseth17fan]

I work at a television station and I showed our computer engineer the computer layout and he said I would probably pay just as much to have one built, without the other feature's monitor,keyboard..ext. Said he built his for 1,000 without those other pieces. So he thought the computer
was well worth it and said I could definetly add a bunch more, in the future. In his words "Dell is a very good and reliable computer.
Still not sure which way I'll go though. Still want to look some more.

[Rumor]

K17fan,

While your searching for a computer, how about gettiing one for one for your buddy here in Michigan. ;) :confused: :p

if that doesn't work...

Chad,

While your thinking about an upgrade, how about thinking about getting your buddy here in Michigan a new computer? :p ;):eek:

[Swamp Fox]

I've got an HP that's about 3-4 years old and only had problems once. The bad thing about HPs is what Chad said...they integrate the sound card/video card onto the motherboard, so if it goes out, you are screwed. I now use extra RAM and an installed Voodoo5 64meg PCI video card, but wanted the AGP(faster) for video but still rely on the sound card included in the system. Another problem with HP (and all other name brands for that matter) is that when you get the computer, it comes loaded with a BUNCH of junk software pre-installed that you probably won't want so then you must go in and remove the files to get the disk space! All this aside, I have been VERY happy with the thing...it plays all my games including the most intensive, runs several windows of AutoCAD 2000 without a hitch :) , and is easy to maintain.

If not for the integrated cards, I would definatly recommend one...but until they change that, I say build one.

HP makes the BEST printers though...I would definatly get one of them!

[BenchRacer]

Points

On what martin6 said. If this is going to be a business pc, meaning that it's going to be used for the financials of your business(Quick Books, Quicken, etc) or used to build and maintain your business(databases, website, etc), stability should be your number 1 concern, not being able play Nascar 2001 on it. Doesn't mean you can't, but it's not recommended. And if run Windows 2000, which I would suggest, you might find numerous incompatibilities with a lot of games.

On what Swamp added. Hp's are good computers, but there a lot like Fords(No offense to Ford fans, it's based on a story I can talk about another time). An HP could easily do the job, but I believe their design is bad and won't fit the needs you described in your first post. And yes, HP does make the best printers available; I would never recommend another brand.:)

On what Rumor said. No! ;)

K17fan. I personally will never buy a computer. In my opinion the benefits outweigh the problems. Building your own will cost more money. There’s no way to compete with big companies. If you have questions about something or problems, there's nobody to call. If a part fails, it can be inconvenient to deal with the company you bought it from and with the whole RMA process. But you will get a better quality system(if you use the right combination of components) that’s not loaded up with a ton of crap software that just bogs the system down anyways.

Regardless of what you decide to do make sure to get at least 256mb of RAM. It's so cheap right now and there's no telling when it might go back up. All it would take is another earthquake in Taiwan. And I do not recommend Windows ME if you want a stable system. If you don't want to pay the extra $100-150 dollar for Windows 2000 I would recommend Windows 98SE.

Also if you want the Microsoft Office suite(Word, Excel, etc), be sure to spend the money now when you buy the computer. Buying with the computer qualifies for an OEM edition and it will only cost around $200 but if you wait to buy it later you will need to full retail edition and I believe it sells for around $500.

Did I cover everything?

[Swamp Fox]

You mean to tell me, Chad, that I own a FORD computer?? Doggone it! I guess now I am also in the market for another ;) My Daddy would KILL me if he knew I owned a FORD!

...actually, Ford does make a good tractor and truck, but I'll never know just how good.

PS - Who makes the GM product computers? :)

[BenchRacer]

For the same reason I don't recommend HP I also don't recommend Compaqs. They're also good computers and serve their purpose, but wouldn't fit your needs.

[BenchRacer]

Originally posted by Swamp Fox

PS - Who makes the GM product computers? :)

Those are what I make!:D


BTW, it's been awhile since we had a flaming folder!!:flame:

[Rumor]

Heck,

I think my computer is a yugo! :(

[Martin6]

There is a slow guy in Mogedore just outside of Akron that is offering a great computer 128 mb 1.5ghz p4 80ghd princeton monitor and a nice microsoft internet keyboard for 1200. He rebiult my system It is sweet but I have to have a new one in uder a year and he's building mine I am done with this though rack me I am out!